Idemitsu Renewables recently announced that its Azalea Solar and Storage Project commenced commercial operations on December 31, 2025—marking the successful completion of its newest solar-plus-storage facility.
Located in Kern County, California, the project will provide renewable energy to the state’s grid under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCP).
Construction financing was provided by Mizuho Bank, LTD., Commerzbank AG, and U.S. Bank N.A., with U.S. Bank providing tax equity investment. Construction was led by SOLV Energy.
“Achieving COD at Azalea underscores our team’s ability to deliver complex renewable projects that provide both environmental and economic value,” said Cary Vandenberg, CEO, Idemitsu Renewables, in a statement. “We are proud to partner with forward‑thinking organizations like U.S. Bank, Mizuho Bank, Commerzbank, and Sonoma Clean Power to advance California’s clean energy goals.”
The facility adds 60 MWAC of solar power generation as well as 38 MWAC/152 MWh of lithium-ion battery storage. It will provide enough electricity to power approximately 20,000 homes in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties each year, offsetting 50,000 metric tons of CO2 annually.
Its battery energy storage system (BESS) will enable the project to store daytime solar generation and dispatch it during evening and peak demand periods while providing reliability and ancillary services for the grid.
Geof Syphers, CEO, Sonoma Clean Power, added, “The Azalea project coming online is an exciting milestone. It helps Sonoma Clean Power continue delivering clean energy to our communities and supports the State’s work to get the most value out of daytime solar and improve grid flexibility during peak hours.”
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